Turkoglu and coach Stan Van Gundy won't know how the veteran's back will react until he gets on the court and starts to play. He'll have to face Celtics SF Paul Pierce as well.

"I really don't know where Turk is at with his back," Van Gundy said. "He'll go."

Van Gundy said if Turk can't go after warm-ups or he must leave the game at some point, J.J. Redick will start at shooting guard, with Jason Richardson moving to small forward to defend Pierce. G-F Quentin Richardson is also expected to see some time defending Pierce.

Advice for Ainge

Celtics GM Danny Ainge hasn't ruled out breaking up his Big Three of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to improve his team. The Celts, 2008 NBA champions, are 6-9 after beating the Washington Wizards on Sunday.

"I'd put a vote in for breaking them up," Van Gundy laughed, talking about the Celtics after practice. "Move all three. Danny Ainge should get it done today."

Seriously, Van Gundy still considers the Celtics a "formidable team," and said the club has been snake bit because of injuries and a tough schedule.

Of the possibility of the Celtics trading any of the Big Three, Van Gundy said, "It's a tough thing. For Pierce, I'd think it's even more of a dilemma for them. He's been through the tough times."

Layups

Asked to gauge the 11-4 Magic after 15 games, Van Gundy said, "I still think we have a long way to go to get at the level to be contenders. I don't think that we've been consistent on the defensive end. I'm not saying that in a negative way. If we can play consistent defensively to get to that level, we can be contenders, no doubt."